A 21-year-old mother is facing charges of killing her two infants within a three-year period and displaying indifference when authorities arrived at her residence.
Dakota Taylor, 21, was taken into custody on November 20 in connection with the death of her eight-month-old son, Caleb, who passed away in Jefferson County, Georgia, in January 2025. The infant was discovered unresponsive at a residence in Matthews and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) disclosed that at the time of her recent arrest, Taylor was already detained at the McDuffie County Jail regarding the demise of her other child, seven-month-old Micah, in September 2021.
Based on information from a grand jury arrest warrant obtained by 14 News, Taylor was alleged to have caused Micah’s death by deliberately obstructing his airways with malicious intent. Initially ruled undetermined, the baby’s demise was later linked to Taylor’s actions.
It has now come to light that Taylor and Micah were residing at a group home when the tragic incident occurred. Detectives noted Taylor’s peculiar behavior during the baby’s medical emergency and transportation to the hospital.
Bodycam footage captured an officer commenting on Taylor’s nonchalant response to the situation, indicating a lack of emotional concern for her child’s well-being. The case remained unresolved for an extended period while Taylor was under the supervision of the Georgia Department of Child and Family Services.
The arrest affidavit details that on January 8, Taylor allegedly caused Caleb’s death by depriving him of oxygen, inflicting excessive physical and mental suffering on the infant. A family member reported that Taylor dropped Caleb off at their residence on the day of his passing, concealing his face with a blanket, leading to a delayed discovery of his condition.
After removing the blanket, Caleb was found with blue lips, prompting his immediate transfer to the hospital, where he tragically passed away.
Following an investigation into both infants’ deaths, Taylor faces charges of two counts each of malice murder, felony murder, and cruelty to children. She is scheduled to appear in court on February 11.
The GBI announced Taylor’s arrest, stating that she is charged with malice murder, felony murder, and first-degree cruelty to children. The agency was summoned on January 8, 2025, to assist in the investigation of the eight-month-old child’s death in Matthews, Georgia.
Taylor was apprehended while already in custody at the McDuffie County Jail on unrelated charges concerning another child death investigation in DeKalb County, Georgia.
The investigation remains ongoing, and individuals with relevant information are urged to contact the GBI’s Regional Investigative Office in Thomson or submit anonymous tips through various channels provided on the GBI website.